Sustainable Development

About this minor

Minor Structure

The programme consists of:

• Big Issues, New Answers (15 ECTS)
• Sustainability in Practice (8 ECTS)

And one of the following Area Studies:

• Area Study Sustainability Netherlands (7 ECTS)
• Area Study Sustainability Portugal (7 ECTS)

More information about the content of these courses can be found via the e-Prospectus.

In this minor, sustainability issues will be approached from various perspectives, involving aspects of both the natural sciences and social sciences. Students typically come from a wide variety of backgrounds, creating an interdisciplinary learning environment. You will be expected to participate actively, assisting your fellow students with the knowledge you can contribute from your discipline. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to broaden your perspective and learn from each other and experts in the field. It is this exchange of knowledge that makes this minor interactive and yields the maximum result, as well as being fun. Not only collaboration and curiosity are encouraged but also creativity! This minor gives you the tools to make the large and often overwhelming sustainability issues manageable and to find ways forward.

The course level is aimed at third-year Bachelor’s students, and the programme is open to students of all disciplines. 

Why opt for this minor?

Minor concept
• It is a specially designed minor with courses that are closely coordinated (not a combination of existing courses).
• You will work on sustainability issues within both a local and a global context and in theory as well as practice.

Minor contents
• The minor provides a strong theoretical background on diverse aspects of sustainability, an introduction to different sustainability assessment and social processes analysis methods, and enables you to apply this knowledge to real-world questions.
• The minor combines academic, practical (debating, presenting, writing), and creative skills (poster presentations, pitching results to an audience).
• You will learn how to manage work in an interdisciplinary group and utilize your knowledge for a research project.
• You will have the opportunity to practice consultancy skills while running a project with a real-life research question and for an external client. 
•    You will receive extensive feedback from teachers and your peers.

Minor outcomes
• You will learn how the world’s major sustainability problems can be made manageable.
• The minor will encourage you to participate in real-life activities and discussions aimed at highlighting sustainability issues.
• You have the chance to learn to see beyond your own expertise. The group of students is very diverse in terms of academic background and skill set. This gives you the chance to interact and learn from students from other disciplines.
• You will potentially find your future study path and new professional interests

Course Description

Please see the E-prospectus.